2nd December 2020

A Mini HST working the
OZ77 Long Rock to Laira
Andrew Triggs Roger Winnen

Hi Roger/Keith Captured 43155 back to back with 43186 at Marazion this morning working 0Z77 11.26 Longrock T&RSMD-Laira T&RSMD for CRS Copyright Andrew Triiggs

The first day of freedom for a month as the lockdown is lifted. The pair of Power Cars are seen at Saltash leaving Tier 1 to cross the border into Tier 2 Plymouth & Devon. Copyright Roger Winnen

201202b Only a few minutes before these photographs we had perfect sunshine. Copyright Roger Winnen

Christmas at
Westbury
Alan Peters

GBRF CLass 59003 "Yeoman Highlamder" at Westbury on the 1st December 2020. Copyright Alan Peters.

​On the First Day of Christmas, well the 1st December 2020 GBRf class 59003 "Yeoman Highlander" was conveniently parked under the flood lights in Westbury yard, just to good to resist a quick photo!

Alan Peters

70 805 1st December 2020. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

​​Colas Rail Freight 70805 on the holding sidings at Westbury, the loco is being prepared to work the Mon - Thu 6M50 to Bescot, of note is GBRf 59003 "Yeoman Highlander" pictured in the background and one of the few remaining FGW blue 165 turbo units can be made out on the stabling point, pictured before day break on 01/12/20 - Alan Peters  

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Many thanks to Driver Alan Peters who uses his privileged position to our benefit to obtain superb views.
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Shaldon Bridge
Clive Smith

(1) 43207 brings up the rear with 43366 on the front of the 1M49 11.53 Plymouth - Birmingham New Street as it passes under Shaldon Bridge approaching Teignmouth. 1st December 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

​Todays post - Good Morning Keith,
I was working in Teignmouth yesterday and like last Thursday in Dawlish the sun was out so thought I'd take a few photos. Hopefully other contributors take some more pictures over the next week or so to capture the pacers' swansong as they have been under represented on CRS. A shame there will be no farewell tour but covid and disability toilet provision have seen to that. 

A rest day for me  tomorrow for possibly the last cements. Unfortunately it's a grim weather forecast. We shall see.

All the best.
Clive.

Tribute to the 143's

(2) It's the final countdown as the class 143 pacers based at Exeter have just ten days left before withdrawal. 143618 leads a First Great Western blue liveried 150 on the 12.20 Paignton - Exmouth. After many obituaries it looks like the Grim Reaper has finally come looking for the 'bus on rails' after thirty five years. I can't say they will be missed but they have certainly etched their name into railway folklore. History will judge them but as a low-cost stop gap that went on well past their use-by date I think they have contributed to saving a number of rural lines.

Many thanks Clive

Rewe
Paul Barlow

45074 approaches Rewe on 1210 Birmingham-Penzance 1V14 relief 18th April 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.
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Remember
Warspite
Martin Baker

Here she is in the BR blue days emerging from a downpour at Lostwithiel in the mid 1970's and then shortly after her demise at Laira in 1988. 50014 was one of the first members of the class to be withdrawn in late 1987, succumbing to the cutters torch two years later at Vic Berry, Leicester.

50014 Warspite departs Lostwithiel. Mid 70's Copyright Martin Baker

50014 Warspite At Laira on scrap line 1988 Copyright Martin Baker.

Older viewers may remember that HMS Warspite was a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship launched in 1913. She served in the First World War and in numerous operations in the Second World War, earning the most battle honours of any Royal Navy ship. She broke her tow and ran aground at St Michael's Mount  on her way to be broken up in 1947 and was scrapped over a period lasting ten years at Marazion way into the 1950s

Many thanks Martin.
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Salisbury to Exeter
Rail Users Group
David Tozer

David Tozer very kindly sent in the following link which you will find very interesting  ​www.serug.co.uk

Many thanks Dave - feedback is very valuable.